V. General Rule.
"As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy." Gal. vi. 16.
1. Faithfulness to the general rule is for the seminarist the most assured means of sanctification, and the most excellent preparation for the holy ministry. By fulfilling it perfectly he is constantly pleasing to God: inasmuch as he conforms himself in all things to His holy will.
"Obey them that have the rule over you." Heb. xiii. 17.
"I do always those things that please Him." John, viii. 29.
2. He regards the intention, which gives their value to actions.
"The Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Sam. xvi. 7.
"The king's daughter is all glorious within." Ps. xlv.
3. Among the different motives proposed by faith he prefers that of charity.
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren." 1 Pet. i. 22.
"Love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto her laws is the assurance of incorruption." Wisd. vi. 18.
4. He is especially exact in rising in the morning; in the preparation for, and resolutions made in, prayer; in the holy employ of his time; and in silence: and he fails not to examine himself every day on these capital points.
"A heave offering of the Lord." Numb. xxxi. 29.
"Rise up betimes, and be not the last." Eccles. xxxii. 11.
"Before thou prayest, prepare thyself, and be not as one that tempteth the Lord." Eccles. xviii. 23.
"Be not faint-hearted when thou makest thy prayer." Eccles. vii. 10.
"A time to keep silence, and a time to speak." Eccl. iii. 7.
"If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 1 Cor. xi. 31.